Bought a new A3 last week and had some real problems only after 3 days. Driving into work for some reason I lost all my gears. It's an automatic so when the gear went the car simply rolled. I couldn't do anything, I tried all the gear combinations but nothing worked. The car is still in the workshop and I collect it tomorrow, they had to replace the whole gear system.

Has anyone had a similar problem? Can you advise me on the type of compensation I should expect?

 

I never had a problem with my gear-box, but had endless hassles with a heat sensor chip that for some reason regulated the fuel supply. When the outside temp was excessive, the ABS light would come on and the car would lose power, resulting in some scary moments when overtaking. The vehicle went back to the dealer three times and they couldnt solve the problem.....good news they replaced the car with another one "out the box", at no extra cost. This excellent service and gesture resulted in me forgetting the past and to date I have had no hassles. Something as serious as a gearbox relacement is not acceptable with a new car and I would insist on another vehicle. Audi seem very willing to please, so good luck.

 

Audi were very willing to please but they would not replace the car. Apparently there is a deal with all Audi's that if the same problem happens three times then they will replace the car. They did however give me 105,000 Km or 3 years free service and put a protective layer over the bodywork that would have cost me 400 pounds. So I quite happy now, but it did take two weeks and they still don't know what went wrong with the gear box.

 

This is NOT true in Canada. I had my transmission replaced once this year and rebuilt 2 more times in my 2005 A4 for the same problem. Audi is still trying to decide if they are going to give me extra warranty on the transmission alone!!! [:@]

 

You should certainly get a new replacement vehicle. I would push harder.

 

Sorry to hear that it is not the same policy in Canada. It was head office in the Middle East who informed me of the policy and then confirmed by head office Europe. (I work in Dubai).

 

I am still dealing with Audi Canada and trust me, I have been pushing very very hard. I should know by the end of this week.

 

Keep pushing and go as far up the ladder as you can. Good luck.

 

jsavage - what happened with your car? I'm having that problem now on my 2006 A3 sportspackage. All of a sudden when slowing down on the highway the car starts jerking. I stopped and put it in park and back to D and it doesn't do anything. As if it's not in gear. I just put it in the shop this morning. I hope i wont have to do this again. I love this car!

 

I haven't had any problems since. They replaced the gear system for me and now all is well. They gave me an increased service package but I did have to go through head office and make myself heard.

Hope all goes well for you.